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series Reading Order

Rowland Sinclair Books in Order

12 Books
2010 – 2020 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Rowland Sinclair Series

Sulari Gentill’s acclaimed historical mystery series blends the elegance of the Jazz Age with the raw political tension of the Great Depression. The books follow Rowland “Rowly” Sinclair, a wealthy gentleman artist who is the black sheep of his conservative family, as he travels the globe solving murders and fighting fascism with his tight-knit circle of artists and writers.

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. While there is a prequel novella that takes place earlier in the timeline, the characters, relationships, and overarching political climate are best appreciated when introduced in the order they were published.

Rowland Sinclair Books in Publication Order

Below is the complete list of Rowland Sinclair books in order of their release. Note that several titles were renamed for international audiences (such as in the United States and the United Kingdom), which can cause confusion for readers. We have listed all alternative titles below:

  1. A Few Right Thinking Men (2010) – Also published internationally as A House Divided. The book introduces Rowly, his bohemian friends, and the political divide in 1930s New South Wales.
  2. A Decline in Prophets (2011) – Set aboard the luxurious cruise ship RMS Aquitania, blending high-society glamour with a series of murders among passengers.
  3. Miles Off Course (2012) – Set in the rugged, snowy high country of New South Wales, where Rowly is hired to find a missing land surveyor.
  4. Paving the New Road (2012) – Rowly travels to Europe on a diplomatic mission, taking him directly into the dark heart of Munich during the rise of Nazi Germany.
  5. Gentlemen Formerly Dressed (2013) – Following the events in Germany, Rowly and his companions seek refuge in London, only to get caught up in the murder of a peer.
  6. A Murder Unmentioned (2014) – The story hits close to home as the murder of Rowly's father, which took place years prior, is re-examined, uncovering deep family secrets.
  7. Give the Devil His Due (2015) – Rowly becomes involved in the high-stakes world of early motor racing at the Maroubra Speedway amid gang wars and murder.
  8. The Prodigal Son (2016) – A prequel novella set in 1928, written as a gift to readers, detailing how Rowly first gathered his bohemian crew.
  9. A Dangerous Language (2017) – Rowly deals with political activism, espionage, and murder in the halls of Australian parliament.
  10. All the Tears in China (2019) – Also published as Shanghai Secrets. Rowly travels to Shanghai on family business, only to find himself accused of murdering a Russian taxi girl in his hotel suite.
  11. A Testament of Character (2020) – Also published as Where There's a Will. Rowly travels to Boston, Massachusetts, to execute the complicated will of a deceased friend.

Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to follow the characters' lives strictly in order of the timeline, you should begin with the prequel novella. This chronological path looks like this:

  1. The Prodigal Son (Set in 1928 – Prequel Novella)
  2. A Few Right Thinking Men (Set in 1931)
  3. A Decline in Prophets (Set in 1932)
  4. Miles Off Course (Set in 1933)
  5. Paving the New Road (Set in 1933)
  6. Gentlemen Formerly Dressed (Set in 1933)
  7. A Murder Unmentioned (Set in 1934)
  8. Give the Devil His Due (Set in 1934)
  9. A Dangerous Language (Set in 1935)
  10. All the Tears in China / Shanghai Secrets (Set in 1935)
  11. A Testament of Character / Where There's a Will (Set in 1935)

Understanding the Alternate Titles

Because the series has been published by different companies worldwide (including Pantera Press in Australia and Poisoned Pen Press in the US), three of the books have dual titles. To avoid accidentally purchasing the same book twice, keep these matches in mind:

  • A Few Right Thinking Men is the exact same novel as A House Divided.
  • All the Tears in China is the exact same novel as Shanghai Secrets.
  • A Testament of Character is the exact same novel as Where There's a Will.

What to Know Before You Start

Sulari Gentill's writing is heavily praised for its historical accuracy. She weaves real-life newspaper clippings, genuine historical events, and real figures (such as Robert Menzies, future Prime Minister of Australia, and historical writer H.G. Wells) into Rowly's adventures. The series does not shy away from the real political polarization of the 1930s, exploring class struggles, the rise of right-wing militia groups like the New Guard, and the creeping threat of global fascism.

Despite these heavy backdrops, the tone of the series remains lively and warm, thanks to Rowly's bohemian household. His constant companions include Edna Higgins, a talented sculptress and Rowly’s unrequited love interest; Milton Isaacs, a dramatic and frequently drunk poet; and Clyde Watson Jones, a passionate left-wing painter. Their fierce loyalty to one another forms the emotional heart of the series, drawing frequent comparisons to Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries and Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher stories.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Rowland Sinclair series?

You should start with A Few Right Thinking Men (also published as A House Divided). It is the first novel in the series and introduces all of the key characters, their dynamics, and the political backdrop of 1930s Australia.

QAre 'Where There's a Will' and 'A Testament of Character' the same book?

Yes. A Testament of Character is the original Australian title, which was renamed to Where There's a Will for its United States publication. They are identical in content.

QWhere does the prequel novella 'The Prodigal Son' fit into the order?

Chronologically, The Prodigal Son takes place first, in 1928. However, it was published in 2016 between the seventh and eighth books. It is best enjoyed after you have read at least the first few novels so you are already familiar with the characters.

QAre 'All the Tears in China' and 'Shanghai Secrets' the same book?

Yes. All the Tears in China is the original title of the ninth novel, which was renamed to Shanghai Secrets for its North American release.

QCan the Rowland Sinclair books be read as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is resolved by the end, there is a strong, continuous character arc, romantic tension, and developing political timeline. It is highly recommended to read them in sequence.